♦ In scenes straight out of “Grand Theft Auto” Salisbury car thieves snag vehicles and often leave them only a few miles away after a holiday season joy ride. Sadly some Salisbury vehicles will never be seen again by their owners, having their vin numbers erased and their parts sold elsewhere. Some may join traffic jams South of the Border with all new ownership. Do we hear the “Mexican Hat Dance” being played by “Low Rider” auto horns at a stoplight? Or maybe even “Twist, Twist Senora”?

Salisbury Police sources report that Aylssa Daniel Lacy, 28, of Salisbury was the victim of a “robbery-strong arm no weapon”, “assault-hands, fist, feet”, and “motor vehicle theft-automobile” Tuesday at 620 Brenner Avenue by Brenner Crossing Apartments. Lacy sustained minor injuries during the robbery. Acquainted with her assailant, she was forced to give up the car keys to her Chevvy Cavalier. The crime was reported to 911 dispatch at 11:47 p.m.

Later her car was recovered and returned.

Manifest of stolen and returned items from 620 Brenner Avenue from the Salisbury Police Department Event Report:

620 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, N.C.:

Location 620 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, N.C.:

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect a reward of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.

♦ Salisbury Police sources reported that William Jeffrey “Jeff” Watkins, 50, a former candidate for Salisbury City Council and a key employee of the popular cigar shop “The Perfect Smoke”, was the victim Monday of a “motor vehicle theft-automobile” when his 2001 white Dodge Durango 4-door SUV was stolen from in front of the Perfect Smoke, 213 S. Lee Street in Salisbury. Also stolen were two sets of golf clubs valued at $500. The crime was reported to 911 dispatch at 11:03 p.m.

The staff of the Rowan Free Press wish Jeff a speedy recovery of his vehicle. Heaven forbid the Dodge Durango becomes involved in a high-speed I-85 chase after an armed Robbery in Downtown Salisbury or worse!

The Perfect Smoke, 213 S. Lee Street, Salisbury, N.C.:

Location The Perfect Smoke, 213 S. Lee Street, Salisbury, N.C.:

Citizens having any knowledge about this crime are urged to call the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333. If you fear retribution, want to remain anonymous and possibly collect a reward of up to $1,000, information can be submitted 24/7 via the web: http://tips.salisburyrowancrimestoppers.org/ or by calling the Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245.